Yet ANOTHER exhaust question
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
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Yet ANOTHER exhaust question
On the truck performanc ecenters website, it showed GIBSON< BORLA< FLOWMASTER, etc.. exhaust systems.. All showed similar increase in power and torque, usually 10-20 HP and 15-30 I see everyone here recommending the flowmaster,, any reasons??
thanks
ron
99 xlt 4.6
thanks
ron
99 xlt 4.6
Postmaster
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 1
From: Annapolis, Maryland
Yet ANOTHER exhaust question
Flowmaster's been in the game for a long time, and is universally agreed upon as being a high quality exhaust system. I've got a Flowmaster Force II catback for my Expy, and the installation was a snap - all the parts were accounted for, and everything fit together perfectly.
I reset the ECU last night, and I'm waiting to get the gas mileage results (should have an idea by the end of the week). I'll post my results this weekend.
So far, I have absolutely no regrets - the truck accelerates and passes quicker, has a good throaty sound when I accelerate, but makes next to no noise when I'm cruising.
EDIT: I take the claimed HP gains with a grain of salt - any exhaust is going to be better, but I don't think any product lives 100% up to its claims. Keep in mind, just like with engines, the massive HP gain only occurs at certain points in the RPM band. Your truck won't suddenly just start spewing out HP gains like crazy - you'll feel a difference, but I wouldn't bet on massive HP gains.
Take care!
XXL
I reset the ECU last night, and I'm waiting to get the gas mileage results (should have an idea by the end of the week). I'll post my results this weekend.
So far, I have absolutely no regrets - the truck accelerates and passes quicker, has a good throaty sound when I accelerate, but makes next to no noise when I'm cruising.
EDIT: I take the claimed HP gains with a grain of salt - any exhaust is going to be better, but I don't think any product lives 100% up to its claims. Keep in mind, just like with engines, the massive HP gain only occurs at certain points in the RPM band. Your truck won't suddenly just start spewing out HP gains like crazy - you'll feel a difference, but I wouldn't bet on massive HP gains.
Take care!
XXL
Last edited by BigMattXXL; Apr 22, 2003 at 01:46 PM.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
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Yet ANOTHER exhaust question
I agree.. Im hoping to find SOMETHING to squeeze just a bit more torque out of the little 4.6.. as far as high RPMs.. 4000 and above, Im ALMOST happy with it, just squeeze some more out of the basement soehow.. Im thinking a good start is an Exhaust.
EDIT:
Mileage, would it be a safe assumption to assume a 2-3 MPG increase with the Exhaust? And does the k&N Help Much more with the exhaust?
Thanks Again!
Ron
99 XLT 4.6
EDIT:
Mileage, would it be a safe assumption to assume a 2-3 MPG increase with the Exhaust? And does the k&N Help Much more with the exhaust?
Thanks Again!
Ron
99 XLT 4.6
Last edited by ktmguy70; Apr 22, 2003 at 02:07 PM.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 1
From: Annapolis, Maryland
Yet ANOTHER exhaust question
Overall, the cumulative effect of intake and exhaust is going to yield better everything - more MPG, more torque, more everything. The effects are noticeable enough that I immediately recommend an intake, exhaust, sway bars, and a shift kit to anyone looking to get a more pleasurable experience from their vehicle.
XXL
XXL
New User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3
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From: Philly - University City
Yet ANOTHER exhaust question
XXL,
You said intake and exhaust for better MP and MPG. DO you mean specifically an K&N fipk or airraid or the like and the catback exhaust? I was thinking of just trying the K&N drop in replacement filter and a high flow muffler on my current system since I drive alot with my family in teh car and noise could be a big problem if it is too loud.
Thanks,
KP
You said intake and exhaust for better MP and MPG. DO you mean specifically an K&N fipk or airraid or the like and the catback exhaust? I was thinking of just trying the K&N drop in replacement filter and a high flow muffler on my current system since I drive alot with my family in teh car and noise could be a big problem if it is too loud.
Thanks,
KP
Postmaster
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 1
From: Annapolis, Maryland
Yet ANOTHER exhaust question
Any intake would be an improvement over stock - the K&N drop-in filter is ok, but most folks end up tossing it and buying the FIPK. The FIPK really doesn't make much noise unless you've got the pedal to the floor. As far as the exhaust goes, see my post "Flowmaster Force II tips" (or something like that). In there, I make a big stink about resetting the ECU. My exhaust was super loud until I reset the computer - now it's pretty tame, not much more than a hum at highway speeds (even then, the road noise is louder than the exhaust, and I have Michelins!)
Let me know if you have any questions.
XXL
Let me know if you have any questions.
XXL
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 56
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Yet ANOTHER exhaust question
Anyone have any comments on the Gibson cat-back? I'm thinking about ordering one for SWMBO's '03 5.4 Expy, based on comments I read about it being a bit less "boomy" (for lack of a better word) on the highway than the Flowmaster. Any reason *not* to go with the Gibson?
Thanx,
Mark
Thanx,
Mark
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Postmaster
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 1
From: Annapolis, Maryland
Yet ANOTHER exhaust question
Originally posted by mneblett
Anyone have any comments on the Gibson cat-back? I'm thinking about ordering one for SWMBO's '03 5.4 Expy, based on comments I read about it being a bit less "boomy" (for lack of a better word) on the highway than the Flowmaster. Any reason *not* to go with the Gibson?
Thanx,
Mark
Anyone have any comments on the Gibson cat-back? I'm thinking about ordering one for SWMBO's '03 5.4 Expy, based on comments I read about it being a bit less "boomy" (for lack of a better word) on the highway than the Flowmaster. Any reason *not* to go with the Gibson?
Thanx,
Mark
Just my $.02
XXL
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Freshman User
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Yet ANOTHER exhaust question
I had a Gibson on my Explorer, and I was very satisfied with the sound and the quality. The Flowmasters that I have heard were more raspy or loud, like a NASCAR motor. The Gibson was more mellow. I think the Gibson may use a thicker pipe wall, which helps keep the sound at the tip, so it is less boomy in the cab.
Yet ANOTHER exhaust question
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 369
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From: Bronx, New York
Yet ANOTHER exhaust question
I think the force II is a complete system custom for a specific vehicle (pre-bent pipes, hangers, etc.). The others are just models of their mufflers. The force II probably comes with one of those types of mufflers in the kit........
Postmaster
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 1
From: Annapolis, Maryland
Yet ANOTHER exhaust question
My Flowmaster Force II was the complete kit, and came with the 50 series muffler (SUV muffler). I'm thinking that any given Force II setup will come with the most appropriate muffler for the application.
FireManRon - that would make sense (thicker pipes). The 50 series muffler that I got with my Force II is pretty mellow - although I do know what you're talking about with the "raspy" flowmaster sound (some people LIVE for that sound!!!)
The thicker pipes idea got me thinking - what about using header wrap on the pipes to insulate it a bit? I'm planning on gutting the interior of my Expy and covering it with FatMat (Dynamat knockoff), but I would think that some header wrap would keep the sound "at the tip" as you say.
I may be on to something here....
XXL
FireManRon - that would make sense (thicker pipes). The 50 series muffler that I got with my Force II is pretty mellow - although I do know what you're talking about with the "raspy" flowmaster sound (some people LIVE for that sound!!!)
The thicker pipes idea got me thinking - what about using header wrap on the pipes to insulate it a bit? I'm planning on gutting the interior of my Expy and covering it with FatMat (Dynamat knockoff), but I would think that some header wrap would keep the sound "at the tip" as you say.
I may be on to something here....
XXL
Yet ANOTHER exhaust question